diseases at a glance

Diseases are conditions that make people unhealthy. They are also called illnesses or sicknesses. The following list provides links to common human diseases. They are separated into two categories: infectious diseases and noninfectious diseases.

Infectious diseases are illnesses that are contagious, or catching. They can be passed from person to person or through animals (such as mosquitoes), air, water, or food.

Noninfectious diseases are not contagious. They can be passed down through families in their genes, or they are a result of a person’s lifestyle. The cause of some noninfectious diseases, however, is unknown.

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